Search

Biotic vs. abiotic forcing on plankton assemblages varies with season and size class in a large temperate estuary

06.03.20

Abstract Large river estuaries experience multiple anthropogenic stressors. Understanding plankton community dynamics in these estuaries provides insights into the patterns of natural variability and effects of human activity. We undertook a 2-year study in the Columbia River Estuary to assess the potential impacts of abiotic and biotic factors on planktonic community structure over multiple time scales. We measured microplankton and zooplankton abundance, biomass and composition monthly, concurrent with measurements of chlorophyll a, nutrient concentrations, temperature and salinity, from a

View Resource

The effects of run-of-river dam spill on Columbia River microplankton

06.03.20

Abstract Dams, increasingly common in riverine systems worldwide, are particularly prevalent on the Columbia River (CR) in the United States. Hydroelectric projects, including both storage and run‐of‐river (i.e., minimal storage) structures, on the mainstem CR highly manage water flow, often by releasing water over (rather than through) dams as “spill.” To test the effects of run‐of‐river dam spill on microplankton abundance and composition, we sampled above and below two dams in the lower CR before and during spill conditions in spring 2016 and during and after spill conditions in late summer

View Resource

We stand in solidarity

06.16.20

George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery were killed because of systemic racism. These acts of appalling racism are not new, nor are they isolated. The harm and the trauma caused by white domination has existed for too long. The injustices that Black people have experienced in this country for over 400 years are staring at us – again – still, begging us to be better than this. Every Black person has the right to walk through this world free from fear, harassment and harm. Every Black child has the right to a safe world.

The Board of Directors and staff of the Lower Columbia Estuary

View News

Steigerwald Project Updates

09.25.20

Steigerwald Reconnection Project logoThe Steigerwald Reconnection Project is well into its second year of construction. By 2022, the refuge's lands and Gibbons Creek, which flows through it, will be reconnected to the Columbia River for the first time in generations. This effort will bring a lot of changes to the Refuge, and we're excited to share them with you while the project takes shape!

Check the Refuge 20/20 Blog for the latest construction and project updates. And watch this background/update video below from September 2020. 

 

View News

Type